SYNOPSIS: The epic conclusion to DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE is here from the all-star creative team of Frank Miller, Brian Azzarello, Andy Kubert and Klaus Janson!

This is Earth’s last stand. Quar’s Kryptonian Army has conquered the planet, but Batman and his allies don’t believe the world is beyond saving. They’ll rally once more against Quar and save the world or die trying.

After a decade-plus (well, it seems like it at least), DARK KNIGHT III: THE MASTER RACE has ended with the arrival of issue #9. Despite the constant delays (which actually made me have to go back and re-read previous issues when a new one was dropped), this third installment (and probably not last – I’ll get to that in a second) of the Frank Miller “Dark Knight” Batman concludes kinda as expected, but satisfying nonetheless. As someone who started with it at the beginning and stuck it out for damn near two years, I’m glad (probably more proud because I endured the whole damn thing!) that I read it one issue at a time -- though I will say (and have been saying) that it’ll probably read much better as a collected trade.

Yes, Batman is “back” (and I won’t spoil what that means, but if you’re reading, you know), but this issue was really Superman’s story. In fact, it’s actually the Superman Family – and not the Batman Family – that ends up saving the day in a selfless sacrifice. I won’t tell you who it is, but just remember that Wonder Woman’s real name is now Diana Kent (or El, I guess).

Really, there’s not much I can say I very much enjoyed how DKII, as well as the entire story (which I started reading when I was still in my 30s). Also, there were very cool nods to BATMAN: YEAR ONE as well as an iconic image from the original DARK KNIGHT RETURNS which will put a big smile on all Batman fan’s faces.

Now that it’s all said and done, I cannot wait to read the collected addition later this year. Furthermore, I’ve got to say that I’m very much looking forward to DARK KNIGHT IV as well. When Frank Miller said a while back that he’s another Batman tale to tell in this universe, he wasn’t kidding.

So, I wonder what’s in store next for Batman and Robin…err…Batgirl…er…well, you’ll have to read DARK KNIGHT III and discover that for yourself.

One last thing...

Back when I was a young man, pondered if DKIII would "redeem" Frank Miller's Batman reputation after DARK KNIGHT II and ALL-STAR BATMAN AND ROBIN. Frankly, Frank Miller's place in Batman history is more than secure. But, DKIII sure as hell didn't hurt him, Batman-wise. - Bill "Jett" Ramey

GRADE: A

A life-long Batman fan, Bill "Jett" Ramey
is the founder of BATMAN-ON-FILM.COM.
He likes Elvis, Rock-N-Roll,
The University of Texas, cold beer,
Dallas Cowboys Football, and of course...
THE BATMAN!
He resides in the GREAT state of TEXAS with his lovely wife, three kids, and two Boston Terriers.